With NetWorks webinar on Intro to Nano coming up this Friday, I asked a few question to Bob Ehrmann, Research Associate at Penn State, and part of the NACK Center.

Since nanotechnology is a relatively new field, what did you do before going into nanotechnology? 

I worked in industry for 23 years. I have a degree in Ceramic Engineering from Rutgers U and an MBA from WVU. I was employed by Corning Incorporated for my entire career before coming here. I had many jobs in Engineering, Engineering Manufacturing Management, and Product Development. I went wherever needed to work on to continuously improve the product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and customer relationships. 

What sparked your interest in nanotechnology? 

Dr. Stephen Fonash – my boss. In 2004, he was looking for a person to coordinate the multi-pronged efforts of the Pennsylvania nanotechnology education program. He was looking for someone with technical aptitude and background, some polish (I have very little), and good people skills (I have less). I really had very little understanding of what nanotechnology was before doing a bit of research for my job interview. In my former job I was focused on day to day improvements and did not know what was happening at the nano-world. In spite of my shortcomings, I got the job and the rest is history. 

What is a “wow” moment you have had in working in the nano field? 

The incredible understanding that has been gained over the last decade or so through being able to “see” what is going on at the nano-scale. The has led to, in my mind, limitless potential for improvements in the products we buy, our environment, our health, just about everything we touch or feel on a day to day basis. We have just scratched the surface on of what will be…..

 This Friday, free webinar for Intro to Nano.